Eagle swoops in Oakleigh Plate

Eagle Falls confirmed his status as one of our leading sprinters with a brilliant burst to win the G1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

Eagle Falls (5g Hussonet – Desina by Desert King) had put the writing on the wall last time out in the Rubiton Stakes and the addition of blinkers made all the difference when he reeled in front-runners Avenue and Solar Charged.

“He got the breaks today – he certainly didn’t get them last time,” trainer David Hayes said.  “He’s a terrific horse and will almost certainly have his next run in the Newmarket Handicap.”

Bred and sold by Corumbene Stud for $170,000 at the 2007 Gold Coast Magic Millions, Eagle Falls is part-owned by Rupert Legh and Andrew Ramsden and is within $2,000 of becoming a millionaire.

Arrowfield champion Hussonet sired 2008 Oakleigh Plate winner Weekend Hussler and the Australian Horse of the Year received a warm reception when he led this year’s field on to the track.

Eagle Falls is one of two winners produced by Sydney winner Desina.  Second dam Presina (Prego) is a half sister to Faster Pussycat who earned black type when second in a Listed Illawarra Classic at Kembla Grange.

Faster Pussycat’s first foal Gai’s Choice won the $200,000 Magic Millions F&M Quality at the Gold Coast last month.

Eagle Falls was runner-up to Wanted in the G1 Newmarket Hcp last year and was far from disgraced on international duty behind Kinsale King in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen and Green Birdie in the G1 Singapore International Sprint.